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Card Room Action Casino Entertainment World Series of Poker is Back! Boyd’s Eye View – One Hit Wonder CONTEST INSIDE – Win a Casino Getaway! REEL REVIEWS – Players & Editor’s Favorites www.arizonaplayer.com
Vol. 20 No. 07 • July 2012
Cover Story On Page 8
WWW.ARIZONAPLAYER.COM
PO Box 33393 • Phoenix Arizona 85067 • 602-373-8728 • azplayer@cox.net
Contributing Photography Contributing Writers Tim Barrett Linda Boyd Kevin Cummings Kevin Cummings Production Assistants Melody Hudson Cindy Esquer Charlie Scheeler David Ramsey Mackenzie Griffin John Olson Shanna Wolfe Melody Hudson TJ Jorgensen Graphic Design Brian Mulligan CommuniGraphics David Ramsey Shanna Wolfe Editor Phil Scudella
Special Thanks to Peter Arceo, David Hielscher and the marketing department and management at Talking Stick Resort, Arena Poker Room Director Kent Odekirk along with Shanna Wolfe, Mackenzie Griffin and the staff at the Riester Agency The Arizona Player is published the first weekend of each month. All claims or guarantees are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. All comments and views of contributing writers are their own and do not reflect official policy of the Arizona Player which assumes no liability for any advertisement not supplied camera ready by the advertiser. Reproduction or use in whole or in part without written consent from the publisher and Copyright owners is prohibited.
4 ARIZONA PLAYER July 2012
Contents
Vol. 20 No. 07 • July 2012
Gaming News Ruben’s Deli is Open & WSOP Tournament Has Started
6
Cover Story “8th Annual Arizona State Poker Championships”
8
Reel Reviews Kevin Cummings “Player’s & Editor Favorites”
10
Entertainment Casino Entertainment Around The State
12
Boyd’s Eye View Linda Boyd “One-Hit Wonder”
14
Card Room Action State-wide Table Game Information
16
Lottery News and Draws
18
Horsin' Around
Latest Draws & Winners' Stories
Brian Mulligan “Sand, Surf and Success”
20
Gaming News World Series of Poker - BIG ONE $1,000,000 Buy-in Tournament 22 Gaming News Big Jackpot Winners at Wild Horse Pass & Cliff Castle Casino Hotel 24 Blackjack Corner TJ Jorgensen “Lucky Ladies”
25
David at the Snack Bar David Ramsey “Movies and DVD Reviews”
26
Contest Page
27
Win a Fabulous Getaway to Talking Stick Resort
Jokes of the Month
28
Astrology, Bingo and Casino Directories
30
gaming news Reuben’s Deli Now Open
Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino in Chandler has imported a taste of Chicago to the valley of the sun. Reuben’s Deli is now open inside the food court of the east valley casino to offer guests a range of sandwiches, salads, soups and chips. Reuben’s Deli is a Windy City favorite that offers the freshest selection of meats and cheeses piled high on sourdough, Italian roll, multi-grain wheat, sweet roll bread or marble rye bread. The delicatessen also offers a selection of sides that would be right at home in the streets of Chicago including the home-style taste of pierogies. “We are always looking for ways to create unique dining experiences for our guests,” says Michael Doocey, Executive Director of Ovations Food Services. “With Reuben’s Deli, we have
6 ARIZONA PLAYER July 2012
added a dining option that our guests are going to love and one they won’t find anywhere else in this market, ” said Michael Olujic, General Manager Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. Reuben’s Deli is one of two new dining options at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. The other - Star Ginger Asian Grill & Noodle Bar, is currently under construction and will open in July. Reuben’s Deli and Star Ginger Asian Grill & Noodle Bar join a casual dining line-up that also includes Fatburger, Famous Famiglia Pizzeria and Common Grounds coffee shop. Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino is located at 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd. in Chandler. Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc. operates Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, Lone Butte Casino, and Vee Quiva Casino. All three casinos, owned by the Gila River Indian Community, offer a combination of slots, table games, bingo, poker and hotel. For more information call 1-800-946-4452, or go to their website at www.wingilariver.com
The World Series of Poker is on! The 2012 World Series of Poker Main Event began just before the Arizona Player went to press this month. The WSOP started on Saturday July 7 at Noon and is set to run for ten consecutive days, beginWSOP 2011 Final Table ning every day at noon and concluding at 12:45am nightly. When a final table of nine players is set on July 16th - Play will then be delayed until October. In year’s past, the final table was referred to as the “November Nine” – because it was played out in November, but this year the final table competition has been moved up to October 28, because of the U.S. presidential election. The 2012 World Series of Poker was to begin with three honorary opening-play ceremonies - Giving the “Shuffle Up & Deal” announcement on July 7th (day 1) was Ellen “Gram” Deeb, a 92-year-old player from upstate New York (who is also the grandmother of Shaun Deeb and one of the oldest entrants in this year’s event) she is going to play her second straight WSOP. On July 8, MMA superstar Georges St. Pierre gives the call and Senator Dean Heller does the “Shuffle Up & Deal” on July 9. Many have said that the preliminary events have gotten tougher at the WSOP, as the overall skill level in poker has increased.
cover story
8TH ANNUAL ARIZONA STATE POKER CHAMPIONSHIP Get ready to ante up for the Arizona State Poker Championship as this No Limit Texas Hold’ Em tournament makes its return to Talking Stick Resort for the 8th year in a row beginning August 10th thru August 14th. This prestigious tournament draws more than 1,000 poker amateurs and professionals, from Arizona along players from across the country and even some international entrants, all competing for a share of the $1 million prize pool. “The Arizona State Poker Championship is a big source of pride for us. It’s our biggest event and continues to grow each year,” said Kent Odekirk, director of poker at Talking Stick Resort. “Because of the large prize pool and our top-notch facility, the championship has grown from mostly local players to a competition of the best in the west.”
An annual fixture on the resort’s poker room schedule, the Championship attracts many players throughout the region with hopes of hitting it big. This year marks the third time in the state championship’s history that the prize pool has hit $1 million, ensuring the top 100 players walk away with a minimum of $2,250. First place winner will take home $208,300, a championship ring and trophy. Second and third place winners will take home $127,500 and $85,000 respectively, as well as trophies to commemorate their win. 8 ARIZONA PLAYER July 2012
The Arizona State Poker Championship will begin at 9am on Friday, August 10th kicking off 5 days of play in the ARENA Poker Room. Prior to the big week, players have an opportunity to participate in daily satellite tournaments for a chance “win a seat” in the state championship or they can opt to pay a $1,000 buy-in along with the $70 entry fee. The buy-in provides each player with $15,000 worth of tournament chips. Entries into the tournament are unlimited and players eliminated on days one or two are allowed a re-buy in order to continue playing to reach the final table.
Knowing that poker is a sport where competitors must draw on both mental strength and physical endurance, Talking Stick Resort will also host “Warm Up” Tournaments on August 6-9. These warm-up events give players just enough time to practice their poker faces and build up their skills and endurance before the big weekend starting August 10. “This year we have expanded the championship to run five days and have taken the final table into our showroom to allow for a larger viewing audience,” said Odekirk. “There is a certain prestige that comes from winning a big tournament in the state’s largest poker room, and we are always looking for ways to enhance that moment for our players.” continued on page 29
REEL REVIEWS by Kevin Cummings Players and Editor’s Favorites
10 ARIZONA PLAYER July 2012
entertainment Apache Gold Casino Resort
5 miles East of Globe on Hwy 70 1-800-272-2438 Cabaret Lounge: Free live entertainment on weekends with Arizona’s top bands
BlueWater Resort and Casino
11300 Resort Dr., Parker 1-888-243-3360 Outdoor Amphitheater: Call for updates In the Concert Hall: July 28 - Loni Love (Chelsea Lately regular) Dig Lounge: DJ or Karaoke nightly or bands
Casino Arizona
101 at McKellips, Scottsdale 480-850-7734 In the Showroom: July 20 & 21 - True2Crue (Motley Crue Tribute) July 27 & 28 - L.A. Vation (U2 Tribute) The Arizona Room & Pima Lounge: entertainment nightly featuring - Aaron White, Tina Melendez, Aaron nelson Duo, Paul Wells, Pair A Dice, Jym Caputo Duo, Chuck Peterson and the Chris Putrino Band
Fort McDowell Casino
N of Shea off Hwy 87, Fountain Hills 1-800-THE-FORT Lucky 7 Saloon: Free live entertainment The Kenny G Project - July 14 & 21 Furious George - July 20 & 28 Shining Star - July 13 In the Radisson Ballroom: July 14 - “Oh What A Night” Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons July 15 - “Happy Together Tour” w/ The Turtles, Buckinghams, Grassroots, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap & Mickey Dolenz Outdoors Under the Stars: July 20 - Sean Paul w/ Black Uhuru Bingo Hall: July 21 & Aug 18 - Late Night Lunar Bingo w/music, games & giveaways For updates - go to fortmcdowellcasino.com
5655 W. Valencia Rd., Tucson 520-838-6506 AVA Amphitheater: July 15 - Joe Cocker w/Huey Lewis & the News July 31 - Earth, Wind & Fire Aug 3 - Seal w/Macy Grey Aug 4 - Los Tigres del Norte Aug 5 - Pitbull Aug 12 - DURAN DURAN Paradiso Bar: Free live bands on weekends & Tribute bands on Thursdays
Cliff Castle Casino
I-17 at exit 289 in Camp Verde 1-800-381-SLOT Dragonfly Lounge: July 19 - Men of Playgirl (Male Revue) Stargazer Pavilion: Sept 2 - Larry the Cable Guy
Desert Diamond Casino Hotel 7350 South Nogales Hwy, Tucson 1-866-DDC-WINS Monsoon Night Club: Bands or DJ ThursSun
Desert Diamond Casino I -19
1100 West Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita 1-866-DDC-WINS Diamond Center: July 14 - Garratt Wilkin & the Parrotheads (Jimmy Buffett Tribute) Aug 18 - Back in Black (AC/DC Tribute)
12 ARIZONA PLAYER July 2012
525 Algodones Rd, Winterhaven CA (5 mi West of Yuma) 1-877-783-2426 Sidewinders bar: Free weekend entertainment
Vee Quiva Casino
The West Valley Casino 51st Ave, 4 miles S. of Baseline - Laveen 1-800-WIN-GILA Bingo Hall: Fridays at 11pm - DJ music, light show & dancing Every other Saturday at 11pm - BINGO ECLIPSE - Bingo, DJ music, light show & giveaways
Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
I-10 at Wild Horse Pass exit - Chandler 1-800-WIN-GILA Ovations LIVE! Showroom: July 13 - Friday Night Comedy Aug 3 - Los Tigres Del Norte
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort and Casino 15406 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa 480-802-5000 Oasis Lounge: Free Entertainment on weekends with Arizona’s best bands For updates, go to harrahsakchin.com
Hon-Dah Resort and Casino
Highways 260 and 73, Pinetop 1-800-WAY-UP-HIGH Timbers Lounge: Free entertainment, Mon - Comedy Night, Tues-Sat, Live Bands July 10-14 Ronnie & the Classics, July 17 21 Stephanie Eason, July 24- 28 Kid n Nic
Los Tigres del Norte Casino Del Sol
Quechan Casino Resort
Ronnie & the Classics Lone Butte Casino
202 loop at the Kyrene exit - Chandler, 1-800-WIN-GILA Cascades Lounge: “Happy Hour” Marty & the Party - July 9, 16, 23 & 30, Michael & Manuel - July 10, 17 & 31, Silhouette - July 11, 20 & 25, Otis & the Beat - July 12, 19 & 26, Andrea & Los Guys - July 13 & 27, Thaddeus Rose - July 18, Spotlight - July 24 Late Night Entertainment - Jadi Norris - July 11, Robert Street band - July12, Marty & the Party - July 13 & 20, Shining Star - July 14 & 28, Davis Highway - July 18, Smooth Groove - July 19, JJ’s Band July 21, Western Fusion - July 25, Kenny’s Project - July 26 and AZ Tex - July 27 Verona Chophouse: Joel & Delphine (Sun) Bingo Hall: 11:30pm Saturdays - B.A.D BINGO w/ DJ “Rockin’ Rob” music, light show, bingo & giveaways
Mazatzal Hotel & Casino
1/2-mile S. of Payson on Hwy 87 1-800-777-PLAY www.777play.com Jul 28, Surfin’ Safari (Beach Boys Tribute) Sept 21, Hotel California (Tribute to the Eagles)
Paul Rodriguez Talking Stick Resort
Loop 101 and Indian Bend Road Scottsdale 480-850-7777 Talking Stick Showroom: July 15 - Aaron lewis July 20 - Sugarfoot’s Ohio Players July 21 - VFC 149 - Faber vs Bario (viewing party) July 27 - Paul Rodriguez July 28 - A.B. Quintanilla III & the Kumbia Kings All Starz Aug 3 - Con Funk Shun Aug 11 - lakeside In the Grand Ballroom: July 17 - Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo Aug 17 - YES w/ special guest Procol Harum Aug 18 - Patti LaBelle
The Gipsy Kings
Aug 19 - The Gipsy Kings Aug 24 - David Cassidy Aug 25 - Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy Sept 15 - Little Feat Sept 21 - Joe Walsh Sept 23 - Toto Coffee Garden: Dueling Pianos at 8pm, Thurs - Sat Degree 270 Lounge: live entertainment nightly with a spectacular view of the city.
Paradise Casino
450 Quechan Drive, Yuma 1-888-777-4946 Sharky’s Bar: Live bands on weekends, Karaoke on Wed & DJs on Thurs
Hotel California
Cinderella Aug 4 - Cinderella Aug 10 - Friday Night Comedy
America Aug 11 - America Aug 17 - Tracy Morgan Aug 24 - Friday Night Comedy Aug 25 - Air Supply Sept 7 - Latin Legends w/ Malo, Tierra & El Chicano Sept 14 - Blood, Sweat & Tears Sept 15 - “49 Laughs” Comedy Tour Sept 21 - Merle haggard Sept 27 - Psychedelic Furs Encore Lounge: Day Time (11am-3pm) Route 66 - July 9, 16 & 23, Michael & Manuel - July 30 Late Night Entertainment: Powerdrive July 11, 18 & 25, Smooth Groove - July 12, Chuck E Baby - July 13, Hamptons - July 14, 27 & 28, Eagleheart - July 15, Andrea & Los Guys - July 19, Chuck E baby - July 20, Greywolf - July 21, Tyrone & the Ledge - July 22, STR8UP - July 26, and Priminition band - July 29
A BOYD’S EYE VIEW OF VIDEO POKER
One Hit Wonder
have a friend named Cheryl, an avid video poker player at Arizona casinos, who often remarks that it’s “probably a one hit wonder” after hitting four of a kind (4OAK). I picked it up by from her and often make the same comment. Linda Boyd Neither Cheryl nor I actually play based on the concept, but I’ve noticed lots of other players ponder whether to continue playing or leave after hitting a royal flush (RF) or even 4OAK. So should you stay or should you go? Random Number Generator (RNG): The programming for the RNG is found on the EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory) computer chip. Contrary to what many believe, the RNG doesn’t actually “shuffle” virtual cards, but constantly produces combinations of numbers within a specified range. For instance, in a game like Jacks or Better that uses a deck of 52 cards (some wild card games have more than 52), each card is assigned its own number from 1 to 52. When a triggering event occurs, bet max for example, the microprocessor controlling the machine snatches 5 numbers within 1/1000 of a second. Each number is then translated into a card image forming the hand you see on the screen. Be aware that the randomization techniques have changed since the first video poker device was placed on a casino floor in the mid-seventies. Also, note that true randomization does not even exist outside the field of quantum physics but the human brain is incapable of determining a pattern and with advanced technology devices are approaching pure randomness, so future hands are unrelated to past hands; therefore, your odds of achieving winners or losers are random and just because the next person gets a RF at “your machine” doesn’t mean you would have. You would have had to hit the triggering button in the same instant as the next person--very unlikely. Say Goodnight Gracie: Regardless of how good the play is, say a RF progressive jackpot that makes it a positive ER (expected return), there are times when you should change machines or just go home. Bad Buttons or Neighbors: It’s always a good time to move when the buttons are sticky or difficult to press. If you are gifted with lots of patience
14 ARIZONA PLAYER July 2012
then call an attendant who will be able to fix the problem. If you’re too antsy to wait, then switch to another machine. Too often jackpots are lost due to faulty buttons and you know you have yourself to blame. If the person next to you is smoking up a storm you’ll have to move whenever it’s permitted. I’m a non-smoker, but it’s rude to get nasty when they have the right to puff. Out of Chips: Now that you realize you’re never “due” for a RF, you should just relax and not lament the money lost on a device. Playing on for the 4OAK you think you’re supposed to get is a waste of time. You may have played for hours but the odds of ending up with the royal remain approximately one in 40,000 (give or take, depending on the game/strategy) prior to each deal. Never mind that my friend Gerry recently got four royals, all in diamonds, on the same device in a relatively short span of time, the odds are constant. Anomalies like Gerry’s are what keep us playing, but are the exception, not the rule. (By the way, I can’t think of a more deserving person than Gerry to get a streak of amazing luck!) Jose Cuervo: I love the adage “Don’t Drink and Derive”(a play on words from “drink and drive”; mathematicians derive formulas, like the quadratic). Video poker, unlike slot machines, requires you to use proper strategy and being impaired by drinking or drugging is a big mistake. Final Thoughts: I’m just as good as Cheryl when it comes to complaining about my “one hit wonder”, but we both realize staying or going from the device you’re playing makes no difference logistically. As I say in my American Casino Guide/You Tube Video “sometimes it’s just not your day”! If you’re still having fun and session money remains - then stay; when you’re miserable and even mumbling to yourself then it’s time to go home and feed the dog. Linda Boyd ,a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, also writes for “Southern Gaming” and “Midwest Gaming and Travel” her book, “The Video Poker Edge”, includes free removable pay schedules and strategy cards for the most popular games. Look for her story in the 2012 Edition of “American Casino Guide” (ACG) as well as her You Tube video with ACG (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFwtmnsYoLshe , “How to Find the Best-Paying Video Poker Machines”). The 2010 Second Edition of her book is available in both paperback and kindle. Available at 1-877-900-BOOK, amazon.com, bookstores or Square One Publishers www.squareonepublishers.com
CARD ROOM ACTION Apache Gold Casino 800-272-2438
Dealing blackjack, daily at 3pm
Arena Poker Room at Talking Stick Resort 480-850-7777
Aug 10th thru 14th - Eighth Annual Arizona State Poker Championship, $1,000 buy-in + $70 s/c – Win a seat into this tournament in single table shoot-outs – available anytime 10 people sign up. $120 buy-in (wins 1 seat) or a $240 “Shoot-out” awards 2 seats. Sept 8-10, Arizona State Ladies Poker Championship $225 buy-in Mon - Fri, 11:15 am - NLHE, $50 buy-in w/ $10 sc Tues & Wed, 7:15pm - NLHE, $115 buy-in w/ $15 s/c Sat, July 14 at 11:15 am – Super Bounty BIG Stack NLHE – $200 Buy in w/ $25 sc - $100 Bounties Sun, July 15 at 11:15 am – Ladies NLHE – $60 Buy-in w/$15 sc Sat, July 21 at 11:15 am - Super Turbo, Super Bounty BIG Stack NLHE - $200 Buy in w $25 sc - $100 Bounties Sun, July 22 at 11:15 am – Jack & Jill NLHE Tournament Sat, July 28 at 11:15 am NLHE – $125 Buy in w/ $25 sc Sun, July 29 & Sept 16 at 11:15 am - Omaha Hi-Lo Tournaments – $120 buy-in + $30 s/c Sat, Aug 4 at 11:15 am - BIG Stack NLHE Tournament $300 Buy in w/ $30 sc Get a Royal Flush, Spin the wheel – win $50 to $500 Daily, 2am-10am “Aces Cracked” Win $100 rack Jack it up! Tues & Wed - $20,000 added to Hold Em Progressive Bad Beat Jackpot - $5,000 added to Omaha / Stud Also dealing blackjack 24/7
BlueWater Resort & Casino 1-888-243-3360
Poker Room opens at 4pm except Sun, Mon & Wed at 2pm Mon - Wed, 7pm, NLHE “Bounty” Tournament - $35 buy-in w/one $20 re-buy ($5 bounties) Thurs, 7pm, NLHE - $30 buy-in, w/ 2 re-buys at $20 Daily- Any Royal Flush pays $200 – (Limit 3 per day) “Aces Cracked” earns a spin on the Cash & Prize wheel Dealing blackjack daily at 9am
Bucky’s Casino 928-771-6779
$25,000 Northern Arizona Texas Hold-Em Championships – Preliminary Rounds: Sun July 1, 8, 15 & 22 at 2pm – Finals July 29 at 2pm - $100 buy-in + $25 sc Sat 10am, Bounty No-Limit Hold Em Tournament - $80 buy-in w/ $10 Bounties Mon 10am + Mon, Wed & Thurs at 6pm - NLHE $40 entry fee w/ optional $10 re-buy, top 5 in the money + earn points toward $250 Player of the Month award Tues, 6pm, “Ladies Only” Texas Hold Em Shootouts - $20 buy-in Progressive “High Hand” Mon – Fri (See poker room for details) Progressive “Aces Cracked” Sat 11am-11pm – increases by $50 each hour till hit “Random Rewards” Mon-Thurs (see poker room for details) Splash Pot Sundays, every 30 minutes! 11am – 11pm (wheel is spun to determine amount splashed) Dealing blackjack 24/7 - Now playing Texas Shoot Out & Triple Attack Blackjack
Casino Arizona 101 & McKellips 480-850-7777
Dealing blackjack 24/7 Tues at noon $1,000 added “Break at Noon” Tournament, $ 50 buy-in Fri at 3 am, The “Great Late” Blackjack Tournament, $25 buy-in June 4, at 7pm (First Wed of each month) $2,000 added Tournament
Casino Del Sol 520-838-6565
July 10-14, Win a Seat to the “Arizona State Poker Championships” NLHE Free-Roll $25,000 Tournament 16 ARIZONA PLAYER July 2012
- Limited to first 180 players w/ 50 hours of live play May 1 – June 30, 2012 – Win 1 of 10 seats to the main event at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale Mon-Fri, 10 am - $800 NLHE, $15 buy-in w/ optional $15 add-on Mon 7pm & Sat noon – $1,200 NLHE - $35 buy-in Sun & Tues, 7pm - $1,000 NLHE, $15 buy-in – Opt $15 add-on Wed & Thurs, 7pm - $5,000 NLHE, $100 buy-in Sat, 9am - $200 added Limit Omaha Hi-Lo, $15 buy-in, $5 re-buys + $5 add-on Sun, 11 am - $1,500 NLHE, $20 buy-in, $5 re-buys
Cliff Castle Casino Hotel 928-567-7952
Mon, Wed & Fri at 10am & Fri at 7pm, NLHE Shoot-outs, $ 25 buy-in – no re-buys Tues & Thurs, 10am, “Limit” Hold Em Shoot-outs, $25 buy-in – no re-buys Tues & Thurs, 5pm-Mid – “Red Chip” Promotion, win a red chip with each pot won – most chips per hour wins $50 in chips Wed, 7pm – NLHE Single Table Shoot-Out, $80 buy-in, no re-buys w/ $25 added per player per table Thurs, 6pm – Ladies NLHE Tournament Sat, Noon, $1,500 added – NLHE $100 buy-in, no re-buys All Week – Royal Flush pays $100 – See poker room for details Mon – Fri “Aces Cracked” wins a $100 rack Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Cocopah Casino 800-237-5687
Dealing blackjack daily starting at 10am
Desert Diamond Nogales Hwy 520-342-1810
Tues at 7pm, $100 added per table NLHE - $75 buy-in, with one $60 re-buy Mon & Thurs at 9:30 am – also Mon & Wed at 7pm $500 added NLHE – $35 buy-in Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Desert Diamond I-19 Casino 1-866-332-9467 Dealing blackjack 24/7
Fort McDowell Casino 480-789-4284
Mon-Fri at Noon – NLHE - $30 buy-in Sun at Noon & Mon 7pm - NLHE Deep Stack tournament - $50 buy-in Tues, Wed & Thurs at 7pm & Sat at Noon - $1,000 guaranteed NLHE - $5 buy-in Fri, 7pm, Mega-Stack $50 Bounty NLHE - $120 buy-in Sat, 4pm, Mega-Stack NLHE - $120 buy-in Sun at 7pm $1,000 Guaranteed NLHE - $10 buy-in Sat, 9pm, $2,000 Guaranteed NLHE tournament - $20 buy-in Sun, 10am - Ladies NLHE Poker Tournament – June 24 & July 29 - $60 buy-in w/ $5 add-on “Aces Cracked” win a rack – 24/7 Win up to $300 “Easy way Jackpot” Aces full of anything beaten by Quads or better wins Jackpot “Play More – Cash More” in 4/8 Omaha win up to $100 per day – see poker room for details Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Lone Butte Casino 800-946-4452
Dealing blackjack 24/7 – with $5 games
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 480-802-5138
Tues, 7:30pm, Limit Omaha H/L, $25 buy-in, $10 re-buys + $10 add-on Thurs, 7:30pm – NLHE, $10 Buy-in plus two $10 re-buys & $10 add-on Fri, 7:30pm - NLHE, $40 buy-in, no re-buys Sat, 3:30pm – Deep Stack NLHE, $60 buy-in w/ one $20 re-buy & $20 Add-on at break Sun, 12:30pm – NLHE, $25 buy-in, one $10 re-buy Sun, 5:30pm – “$20 Bounty” Tournament, $60 buy-in w/ $20 add-on at break $ 25 Splash pots on ALL tables every ½ hour, OPEN till 10PM “Aces Cracked” Open - 11am daily & High Hand promotion (Quads or better) 24/7 spin the cash wheel to win$25 - $200 Nightly, “Deuces Cracked” 10pm – 3 am Jackpot Madness, progressive cash drawing-Mon& Wed,
Noon-Mid – Earn entries 24/7 w/ Aces Cracked or Full House or better Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Hon-Dah Casino 1-800-929-8744
Mon, 6pm, No Limit Hold Em “Double Stack” - $25 buy-in, $25 re-buy Tues, 6pm, Speed Shoot-Out – $8 buy-in – no re-buys Wed, 6pm, NLHE, $40 buy-in, no re-buys Thurs, 6pm, Omaha Hi-Lo, $40 buy-in, no re-buys Sat, 4pm, No-limit Hold Em, $30 buy-in, $10 re-buys + $10 add-on Sun, 4pm, Crazy Pineapple $30 buy-in, $10 re-buys + $10 add-on
Mazatzal Hotel & Casino 800-777-7529
Live Poker Wed-Sun - High Hands, win up to $500 Sun, 1pm - NLHE Tournament, $25 buy-in no re-buys Wed & Sun, 6pm, NLHE Bounty Tournament, $50 buy-in Dealing blackjack 10am-1am - Blackjack tournament, Mon at 6pm, $40 buy-in
Paradise Casino 888-777-4946 Dealing Blackjack 5pm-1am
Quechan Casino & Resort 1-877-783-2426
Sat 1pm, Sun 6pm & Thurs at 7pm – “Deep Stack” NLHE - $75 buy-in, $10 re-buys (extra chips for “live” play before tournament. Sun & Wed – “Let’s Play Ball” $50 and $25 splash-pots during TV game Special room rates for poker players Dealing blackjack 24/7
Vee Quiva Casino 800-946-4452 – Ext 1042
Sun - Thurs, 11am, NLHE “Bounty” Tournaments - $1,000 Guaranteed - $30 buy-in w/ $20 re-buy Wed at 7:30pm, NLHE - $15 buy-in w/ $10 re-buys till the break Sat, 11am, NLHE, $20 buy-in, $10 re-buys & $20 add-on July 1 – August 26,“Rake Back” promotion – Earn up to $3.50 per hour in cash for “live” play! See poker room for details “ACES CRACKED” wins a rack – daily starting at 6am max 10 per day Big Money Royals, Any Royal Flush wins $500 – Bonus Royals Mon-Thurs (see poker room for details) Progressive Rolling Cash Fever drawings during live play every other hour - 24/7 Mon- Fri, 2am-6am -“High Hand” Promotion, Top 3 hands win $100, $75 & $50 Thursdays 4pm-8pm – “Match your stack” drawings every hour – 1 lucky seat wins up to $100 Baseball “Splash Pots” Selected TV Games Also dealing blackjack 24/7 – with $5 games
Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino 800-946-4452 ext 7375
Mon & Thurs Noon, NLHE, $30 buy-in, no re-buys - $150 added per table Tues & Wed at 7:30pm, NLHE Freeze Out - $50 entry fee w/ $10 optional add-on, with $1,000 added to prize pool Sun at Noon, NLHE Big Buy Tournament - $100 Buy-in w/ $10 entry fee, plus optional $10 Dealer appreciation fee High Hands Daily 4am – 8am win up to $150 Bonus Aces Cracked (first 10) 2-6pm Tues, Wed & Fri Daily 2am-8am “Deuces cracked” win up $100 D-Backs $50 per table Splash Pots, Selected TV games Big Money Royals - Any Royal Flush wins $200 “Wet & Wild $50 Splash Pots” every table splashed Mon & Thurs 1pm - 4pm, also Fri – Sun + Tues & Wed 9am-Noon (everyone at table must have players card) Also dealing blackjack 24/7 – with $5 games
CARD ROOM MANAGERS Please send updates to azplayer@cox.net
lottery news I’ll try a “Fantasy” Richard Webster of Phoenix doesn’t usually play the Fantasy 5, but he went to purchase his three Powerball tickets at the Quik Trip at 19th Avenue and Southern and found he had a dollar left over from his purchase. On a whim he told the clerk to give him a Fantasy 5 ticket. When he went to have his tickets checked, he’d discovered he’d won $5 on the Fantasy 5. Once again, he decided to purchase the Fantasy 5, this time buying five Quick Picks for the draw of June 13 with his winnings. It wasn’t until the next weekend that he remembered to have his tickets checked. The clerk in the store checked both tickets, one after the other, and knew one of the tickets had a win, but didn’t know which ticket, or how much; and gave Richard the claim form and told him he’d have to go to the Lottery to redeem it.
Richard tried looking it up online, but couldn’t find it, so decided to just wait until Monday and go to the Lottery. He thought he’d won about a $1,000; his wife, who’s skeptical about real people winning the Lottery, didn’t think he’d even won that much. He gave both tickets to the customer service representative and when she came back, since the lobby was crowded, she simply handed him a piece of paper with the amount of $642,000 written on it, and said, “This is what you’ve won.” It was a far cry from the $1,000 he assumed he’d won. He tried to contact his wife to tell her the news, but couldn’t reach her. Richard said, “I can’t wait until she gets home and I can show her the deposit slip from our bank.” Still in shock over the big win, Richard hasn’t had time to think how he will use the money, but would like to buy a house.
A Jumbo Win on Jumbo Bucks
the good news. She had no problem believing him as she knows he knows how to play the games and he had already rechecked the ticket about a dozen times. Robert said, “Timing is everything.” He gave his daughter a choice: she could pick up a prescription at the pharmacy or pick up her younger brother. She chose to pick up her brother, so Robert went to the pharmacy and on his way back stopped at the Circle K. If he hadn’t gone for the prescription, he wouldn’t have gone to the store and wouldn’t have purchased the ticket. Robert intends to pay off some bills and save the rest. They already have a vacation planned, but this will allow them to put a little extra into it.
Mesa resident Robert McDaniel enjoys playing Scratchers games that are new. He’d played Jumbo Bucks previously without any luck, but since it’s still a fairly new game, decided to try it again. He redeemed a ticket and bought one Jumbo Bucks, scratching it on the way back to his car. When he realized that the ticket was a $100,000 winner, he began to feel a little shaky, so he immediately drove home. Although he doesn’t buy from just one store, this one happened to be located near his neighborhood. The winning ticket was purchased from the Circle K located at 2005 N. Power Rd. in Mesa. After he got home, he called his wife to tell her
Believes in the Lottery Motto
A Phoenix man who always said, “I know I’m going to win an Arizona Lottery jackpot,” made good on his word when he won the top prize of $50,000 on the 30th Anniversary Celebration Scratchers ticket. This lucky winner purchased four of these special Scratchers at the Circle K at 31st Avenue and Indian School Road and took them home to scratch. Poker_1/3page_vp ad.qxp 10/12/09 12:31 PM Page 1 The first one was the winner. He knew right away
what he’d won, and was in no rush to claim it. It took him a couple of weeks to come down to the Lottery to redeem the ticket. In the meantime, he continued to purchase Scratchers. The Pick and most of the other Arizona-based games are also his favorites, as the money stays in Arizona. And he wants to remind people that, “You can’t win if you don’t play.” With regard to his winnings, he plans to get some new tires for his truck. These must be some pretty expensive tires!
The book that Vegas doesn’t want you to read. Start your winning education with
The Video Poker Edge $17.95 • 2-Color throughout • Includes tear-out video poker “strategy cards” Available at bookstores everywhere, or call the publisher toll-free at 1-877-900-2665.
18 ARIZONA PLAYER July 2012
THE PICK
Date
07-20-23-30-38-41 17-19-23-33-34-40 07-09-25-34-35-41 09-16-28-35-37-38 11-16-20-22-24-44 06-07-18-24-30-32 02-15-27-31-41-42 01-02-17-18-20-36 07-19-20-25-28-37
02 06 09 13 16 20 23 27 30
Numbers
June
01 02 04 05 06 07 08 09 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30
June
POWERBALL Numbers
PB
09-10-17-29-45 19-30-33-48-59 18-22-45-56-57 07-10-14-33-57 08-14-15-16-27 11-17-29-56-57 01-03-41-44-53 06-34-40-46-58 07-15-20-41-44
33 27 27 18 26 14 30 6 22
PICK 3 CASH 4 5-4-8 2-4-8 8-8-5 6-3-1 5-2-0 4-3-0 5-6-7 0-0-1 3-4-8 1-4-4 0-8-6 2-9-1 1-7-7 8-8-6 1-0-0 4-6-8 4-5-9 1-6-6 7-6-4 9-2-1 3-7-2 5-0-0 1-9-3 6-0-1 2-9-8 6-2-7
02-12-14-25 02-06-07-16 01-05-19-26 06-17-19-26 01-02-14-15 02-06-09-21 06-14-19-23 03-12-14-18 15-20-22-25 03-11-12-26 08-16-24-25 03-04-15-16 03-04-24-26 08-10-16-22 06-09-14-22 09-13-20-23 08-15-23-25 11-12-17-25 01-04-08-13 05-08-14-20 05-07-14-20 05-13-20-23 06-17-19-22 04-13-19-23 03-12-15-25 03-12-23-24
PICK 5 09-19-20-24-40 03-12-28-36-37 14-22-32-35-39 13-15-27-38-40 14-22-32-33-39 18-20-27-30-36 05-16-27-29-40 02-24-34-38-41 07-09-14-22-35 06-10-11-21-41 06-08-15-23-35 01-11-21-24-41 14-24-28-34-37 05-10-14-33-37 06-07-20-31-40 06-09-12-20-31 01-02-13-18-25 21-28-31-33-37 01-17-33-37-38 02-05-11-32-36 01-14-15-22-36 07-11-24-34-38 03-12-18-21-33 01-16-18-20-39 03-06-07-08-11 04-16-22-23-25
June
MEGA MILLIONS
MB
01 05 08 12 15 19 22 26 29
02-27-38-46-52 37-39-42-53-55 04-09-34-40-48 02-09-17-34-50 08-12-18-30-40 11-21-27-30-53 10-16-19-32-36 03-16-23-35-36 28-34-39-45-53
45 22 25 45 4 11 13 20 34
For winning numbers and updates visit ArizonaLottery.com or visit a participating Lottery retailer. You can also call the Lottery Hotline at (480) 829-PICK in Phoenix or (520) 325-9141 in Tucson. For outlying areas in Arizona, please call 1-800-499-3798
HORSIN’ AROUND
S a nd, S ur f
a nd
S uccess
by Brian Mulligan ven the casual racing fan should not miss out on the opportunity to gamble or at least visit one of the most beautiful oasis of action on the West Coast - the Del Mar meeting. The meet starts July 18th and ends on September 5th, Wednesday thru Sunday. Being at opening day, like I was lucky enough to have been double-digit times, is an event in itself and a day that is never forgotten by anybody in attendance. The first race of the meet is generally a route race, which means runners go a distance of ground and they start close to the grandstand. This proximity to the crowd only brings mayhem down on the throng, who will start screaming for the runners as soon as they are on the track for the post parade. They say “if you build it, they will come” and that is very true for Del Mar because the facility is something out of architecture from Europe, but the money is there to be had for all. This year, Del Mar will offer nearly $8 million in purses, highlighted by 7 Grade 1s, including the granddaddy of them all, the 22nd running of the $1,000,000 Pacific Classic. Del Mar has also tweaked the way it will draw horses and draw races this year. Like Saratoga, Del Mar recently announced it would limit the number of juvenile runners to 10 in sprint and route races, but that rule would not affect stakes. And the track will bring back the popular “Ship and Win” for the second straight season. The program is designed to entice out-of-state runners to the meet and last year over 100 out-of-state runners participated. The track will guarantee $1,000 for runners who had started outside of California in their previous outing and will offer a further bonus of 25% added to whatever purse monies they won in that first start. This is a win-win situation for both the players and the horsemen. For the horsemen, it helps defray the costs of shipping and living in Del Mar for 7 weeks, and for the players if gives them a handicapping edge knowing that the runners that will ship in are serious about winning and earning bonuses. As for the human element, things may be ripe for change this meeting. As far as trainers are concerned, Mike Mitchell was the leading conditioner last
year at Del Mar beating John Sadler by 5 winners, but Mitchell recently came out of successful brain surgery for a tumor and it’s hard to see him being “all-out” after such a traumatic incident. With that said, Peter Miller is always strong at this meet because a lot of his runners stable at San Luis Rey Downs, which is close by. Bob Baffert is coming off a tremendous Betfair at Hollywood Park meeting and will continue his success at the beach, but the value trainers are kind of off-brand guys. When looking through the program, pay special attention to runners trained by Pete Eurton, Tom Proctor, Bob Hess Jr. and Bill Spawr. Don’t be scared to take a shot with Northern California shippers. Terry Knight has had an off year but he could show up here with some livestock. And Steve Miyadi, a high-percentage guy, is sure to ship in with at least one or two live runners. Things will definitely be shaken up in the jockey colony as perennial leading pilot Joel Rosario has moved his tack to New York. Rafael Bejarano is the favorite to take over as leading rider, but there are a few other guys that need to be mentioned. Joe Talamo is hot right now and did very well at Del Mar last year. Pat Valenzuela has fought weight issues of late but has pointed for this meeting and, with Rosario gone, the very strong Corey Nakatani has moved back to California and will win races in bunches. Remember; don’t get caught up in the chalk fiesta and jump on all the short prices you’ll see. Some of the younger fans that are in mass at this meet just want to cash tickets. Some don’t care if the price is 3-5 or 3-2. They just get a thrill of cashing. That’s why short prices abound. As far as the turf is concerned, compare the first few days to how the grass played at Hollywood Park. In most years, the grass course will play slightly heavy the first week and become more conducive as the meet unfolds. Finally, don’t you dare leave the track without trying a Margarita. There is no better way to soothe a tough beat or celebrate a high-paying Trifecta victory - Good Luck and have fun! Del Mar Racetrack is located in the beautiful seaside city of Del Mar California, just 20 mile north of San Diego. Brian Mulligan was the main West Coast line-maker for 17 years for the Daily Racing Form writing under the non de plume of “SWEEP.” He continues to contribute to the Daily Racing Form writing “A Closer Look” analysis daily.
20 ARIZONA PLAYER July 2012
gaming news $18,346,673
It’s a monumental number, the kind that only Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather and one or two other athletes will get in one lump payment throughout their careers. Now, you can add Antonio Esfandiari to that very limited list. After his win, Antonio Esfandiari looked at the pile of cash and asked, “Is this really mine? “ Esfandiari was one of 48 professional poker players and amateurs who put up $1 million each to participate in “The Big One for One Drop”, the Guy Laliberte brainchild that began on July 1 and concluded July 3 at the 2012 World Series of Poker. The 11.111% of the total entry fee that went to Laliberte’s One Drop charity made the event an altruistic endeavor, but that was over and done with when the first cards were dealt on Sunday. Through three days, Esfandiari glowed. He ran from table to table, joking with friends and seeming entirely at home in the largest-buy-in tournament in poker history. He seemed like a man who knew what awaited him. “Yes, I did think [I’d win],” Esfandiari said as he basked in the afterglow of his victory. “I believed it, I declared it and I wanted to win even more since I took third [last week]. I was determined to come back and win.” Esfandiari entered the final day’s play with a small chip lead over England’s Sam Trickett, with whom he flip-flopped in the standings for most of the table play that was broadcast on ESPN. Malaysian businessman Richard Yong was eliminated during the first few hours of the final table. After the dinner break, 1978 world champion and City Center CEO Bobby Baldwin went out next in seventh and Esfandiari’s close friend, Brian Rast, was stopped by Sam Trickett in sixth with a massive cooler. As Esfandiari took out the event’s creator, Guy Laliberte, A-K over Q-Q, he suddenly held a commanding chip lead. Phil Hellmuth’s quest for his 13th bracelet ended with a fourth-place finish, and David Einhorn, a hedge fund manager who donated his prize purse to the education-focused non-profit City Year, finished third. In a match that many expected to see as the final table played out, it was Esfandiari versus Trickett for the $18.3 million. Esfandiari got Trickett all-in on a Jd-5d-5c board, holding 7d-5s for three of a kind. Trickett showed Qd-6d for a flush draw. “My heart wasn’t beating that hard actually,” Esfandiari said, surprised. “I just went through the process and thought, ‘Here we are. This is the moment. If you fade this flush draw, you win the biggest tournament in the history of the world. Please, Jesus, one time!’ I think I used up my ‘one times’ in this tournament. I’m OK with that though.” Esfandiari got his one time. The diamond never came. The turn was 3h, river 2h, and Esfandiari was the champion. He was then swarmed by his friends and family. In addition to the money, Esfandiari won a special edition platinum bracelet, which he immediately gave to his father. This was Esfandiari’s second career WSOP title. With the $18,346,673 first prize, his total tournament winnings come to $23,245,828, the most any player has won in organized tournament history. Trickett’s $10,112,001 22 ARIZONA PLAYER July 2012
consolation prize gives him a career total of $16,471,097, good for fourth all-time behind just Esfandiari, Erik Seidel and Phil Ivey. Trickett’s cash was also the third largest single prize awarded in WSOP history behind Esfandiari and 2006 WSOP champion Jamie Gold. That the all-time standings were so effected indicates the true scope of this event. “I think it had everything,” said Mitch Garber, CEO of Caesars interactive Entertainment, Laliberte’s partner in The Big One. “It had drama, charity, great poker, every major hand you could possibly see. We had a great final table, a terrific performance by businessmen and pros alike. We put on a fantastic show and raised $5.3 million for charity so, for me, it’s a total success for everybody.” “For One Drop it was fantastic,” Laliberte said. “What could I expect more than that? Antonio is a worthy champion. He was great. He scooped me. When you’re running good, you’re running good. Like I said at the opening of the tournament, I was already a winner.” For Esfandiari, the victory represents maturation. Finding poker celebrity at a young age, his penchant for partying became a major storyline in his life. “I did some self-awareness work, tried to put things in perspective,” he said. “What was important, what wasn’t important. Going out and partying all the time, it really didn’t make me happy. I loved it, don’t get me wrong, but I kind of grew out of it. I’m 33 now. I decided to live a better life. This WSOP, I decided I was going to be focused, wake up every day, go to the gym and win a bracelet. It’s 100 percent the reason I won.” Many of Esfandiari’s competitors noticed the change. “The way he started out in poker, I didn’t respect,” Hellmuth said of Esfandiari after being eliminated in fourth place. “You know he’d bust Phil Ivey and start shouting, ‘Hit the door!’ and all this crazy stuff. You know, the early days. But he’s come a long way, and … he’s actually turned into a really great guy. He’s worked really hard on himself and he’s turned into a great guy.” What of the Big One? With the phenomenal success it enjoyed and the interest it has inspired, Garber isn’t shy about its future. “You’ll see it again,” he asserted. “This is not about one-offs. I think that we’ve established that we can put on the greatest tournaments in the world, the highest buy-in events in the world, and that we can wrap in charity to those events as well. We’ll do this again. It’s a question of in what format, when and where. I think Guy and I need to spend some time thinking about it and we’ll make a decision very quickly.” For Esfandiari, that’s all down the road. With $18.3 million reasons to celebrate, he shared a shot of Jameson with friends on the WSOP’s brightest stage. Even as you mature, you have to celebrate the greatest moments of your life. Here are the complete results of Event 55 at the 2012 World Series of Poker: The Big One For One Drop Buy-in: $1,000,000; Entries: 48, Prize pool: $42,666,672, Players in the money: 9 1 Antonio Esfandiari $18,346,673 $ 2 Sam Trickett 10,112,001 $ 3 David Einhorn 4,352,000 $ 4 Phil Hellmuth 2,645,333 $ 5 Guy Laliberté 1,834,666 $ 6 Brian Rast 1,621,333 $ 1,408,000 7 Bobby Baldwin $ 8 Richard Yong 1,237,333 $ 9 Mike Sexton 1,109,333 (Information provided by ESPN Poker
gaming news Big Slot Jackpot at Wild Horse Pass
“Wheel” Big winner at the Castle!
Edward K. became the latest big winner at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. The lucky winner racked up just over $100,000 when he hit the progressive jackpot on the Sphinx slot machine at the east valley casino on Sunday June 17. Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino is part of the Gila River Casinos family, which also includes Lone Butte Casino and Vee Quiva Casino. All three are home to a large number of progressive jackpots which can reach into the millions. Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino is located at 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd. in Chandler. For more information call 1-800-946-4452, or go to their website at www.wingilariver.com
Cliff Castle Casino Hotel in Camp Verde is proud to announce a slot machine payout of nearly a Quarter of a Million Dollars! On Tuesday, July 3, Ivan R from Cottonwood, Arizona kicked off the Fourth of July celebration at the casino by winning the progressive jackpot on the IGT Wheel of Fortune Slot Machine. Ivan hit the progressive jackpot and was presented with a check for $242,439.20 “We’re very happy for Ivan” said Tony Averitt, Marketing Director for Cliff Castle Casino Hotel “This is always exciting and we love to pay out these Jackpots. We’re looking forward to our next big winner!” Owned and operated by the Yavapai-Apache Nation and voted Arizona’s #1 Casino 13 years in a row, Cliff Castle Casino Hotel is a family destination where guests can enjoy all their favorite video slot machines and table games, featuring live poker and blackjack 24-hours a day. Guests looking to take a break from the action will find a restful getaway in the comfort of one of the 80 well-appointed rooms and suites, four dining choices, ranging from burgers and malts at Johnny Rockets to the casual elegance of Storytellers Steakhouse as well as a 20-lane bowling center, fun for the kids at Kids Quest and the arcade and yearround, world class entertainment. Cliff Castle Casino Hotel is located just off I-17 at exit 289 in Camp Verde, Arizona – about 1 hour north of Phoenix, in the Verde Valley wine country – just a short drive from Sedona, Flagstaff, the ghost town of Jerome and the Grand Canyon.
24 ARIZONA PLAYER July 2012
TJ’s Blackjack corner
Lucky Ladies
by TJ Jorgensen
f a blackjack player plays a six deck game and utilizes perfect basic strategy they are at about a .5% disadvantage depending on the rules. So in theory for every $100 played they will lose about fifty cents. Most casinos now offer side bets such as lucky ladies. Lucky Ladies is side bet on the first two cards of your hand with the following payouts:
Lucky Lady Odds Y pair w/dealer blackjack
1000 to 1
Y pair
250 to 1
Matched 20 (i.e. 2 X)
19 to 1
Suited 20
9 to 1
Any 20
4 to 1
25 ARIZONA PLAYER July 2012
I have always been a proponent of not playing side bets. If you play lucky ladies every hand your disadvantage goes from -.5% to a whopping -25% almost insuring that your trip to the casino will be a losing trip. Most side bets have shockingly large house advantages and should be avoided at all costs. However, some can be beaten. I was playing blackjack recently and a player recognized me from the column that I write and wanted to know why I play lucky ladies once in a while, even though I have always said not to play side bets. Lucky ladies is a side bet that can be beaten if you utilize a certain count that will tell you when the side bet has a positive expected value. If you play a six deck game and assign cards Ace through 9 a value of +1, Cards ten through king a value of -2 and the queen of hearts a value of -6 and keep
a running count, lucky ladies becomes a positive expectation game at a count of +7. I felt compelled to answer the question as to why I will sometimes play lucky ladies and now you know why. So if you are ever at a table with me and see me place a lucky ladies bet, you probably should too. T.J. Jorgensen has been a professional Blackjack player for over 20 years. He is well known for his live tournament play. He has competed against, and beaten, some of the top tournament players in the world and has won the prestigious World Series of Blackjack. His book, “Beating the Casino at Their Own Game,” is available through his web site www.freewebs.com/ tjsblackjackcorner or by e-mail TJ4justice1@msn.com
DAVID AT THE SNACK BAR
The Amazing Spider-Man
Peter Parker finds a clue to his parent’s sudden disappearance and death when he was a child. It leads him to Oscorp. When he sneaks in he is bitten by a genetically altered spider and suddenly he has spider-like powers. When his uncle is murdered he uses by his powers to track down the killer leading David Ramsey to confrontation with the police. The police captain who is in charge of finding the masked vigilante is the father of the girl he has a crush on making dinner at her house problematic. An old colleague of this father’s takes an experiment to far and begins to terrorize the city. SpiderMan comes to the rescue. The effects are amazing. This reboot of the comic book series is better than any previous adaptations, largely due to the chemistry between the actors and the more serious screenplay. “The Amazing Spider-Man” is the perfect mix of a good teen romance and a good super-hero action flick. It captures the essence of the comic book perfectly.
Savages Chon and Ben run a legal pot growing business but that doesn’t stop them from some illegal dealings on the side. They have developed a strain that is considered the best available and know how to treat their customers. They also share a girlfriend, who goes by the name “O”, who narrates the film. When a Mexican cartel decides they want to be partners with Chon and Ben they know where that could lead and decide to retire. The head of the cartel, Elena, wants them to run the business for three years and show her people how they do what they do. When hearing they want to run, she has O kidnapped causing the boys to go a little crazy to get her back. There is a DEA agent who is playing both sides, a cold-blooded killer that Elena can almost control and a rival cartel all thrown in for fun. There is a lot of violence but little plot and the ending is too stupid to comment on. The narration is so annoying I almost left after the first 20 minutes.
26 ARIZONA PLAYER July 2012
David’s Video Details Friends with Kids
Jason and Julie are best friends who see all their friends having children and realize they want one. Unfortunately, neither of them is in a relationship nor do they have any prospects for one. They also watch the toll having children has on their friend’s romantic relationships. They decide to have a child together while keeping their platonic relationship. They believe they can have a child, raise it together and continue to date other people. Their friends think they are nuts but are a little envious. It appears to be working until they both meet someone. There are some very funny scenes as well some poignant ones. The cast is very good and it’s interesting to note that Jennifer Westfeldt, who plays Julie, also wrote and directed the film.
Salmon Fishing in The Yemen
An important sheik from Yemen wants to bring salmon fishing to his country. The UK government wants to keep him happy so they ask Alfred, a fisheries expert, to make it happen. When he says it’s impossible they throw more money at the project and threaten his job so he reluctantly agrees to give it a shot. He is accompanied to Yemen by Harriet, a bureaucrat who is overseeing the project. Of course they start out as enemies but end up realizing they have developed feelings for each other. “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” is a nice British romantic comedy with a touch of can-do spirit.
Lockout
While the President’s daughter is visiting a prison space station orbiting the Earth, a riot breaks out and the prisoners take control. Snow was wrongfully convicted of espionage and is offered his freedom if he will rescue her. He has a limited amount of time before the prisoners find out who she is and on top of that they prison’s orbit has become unstable causing it to fall into the atmosphere where it will burn up. The story is reminiscent of “Escape from New York” but it delivers the action you want with a good cast and a solid story.
contest page
Arizona Player’s 20th Anniversary I “LIKE TO WIN” SWEEPSTAKES Congratulations - We have more Winners!
drinks. During your stay dine at one of the terrific restaurants like the Wandering Horse Buffet, with a collection of International cooking stations. Enjoy lunch, dinner or Scottsdale’s best weekend brunch. There is so much more to experience – to find out more, please go to www.talkingstickresort
Jean Warshefski of Apache Junction, AZ and Jim Broemermer from Chandler, AZ are the July 2012 prize winners and will have a choice of various events to attend like concerts, sporting events, admission to great places of entertainment or they may choose a $50 gift card to a favorite store or restaurant! Even though they have won a prize, they’re still eligible to win the Grand Prize Packages. Remember everyone who has entered since January – Your entries are still in the prize drum and are eligible to win the monthly prizes, in addition to the Grand Prizes!
Savor the flavors and take in the panoramic views of Scottsdale from the 15th floor at the award-winning Orange Sky Restaurant. Check out Vegas-style entertainment and local favorites as they take the stage in the TSR Showroom. Test your skills on 36-holes of championship golf at Talking Stick Golf Club, a scenic and challenging golf course. We have 2 more Grand Prize packages Then when it’s time to relax, head up to The Spa at How do you win? There are 2 ways to enter: Go to give away during this very special Talking Stick and enjoy a relaxing spa treatment to FACEBOOK and like Arizona Player – or 20th Anniversary year! overlooking incredible views of the Valley if you are not Facebook friendly or don’t use a Our next Grand Prize winner to be computer – Use the United States Postal Service announced in the August issue of Arizona Player (They could use the work) will receive a $500 gift certificate to The Talking Just send a postcard or 3 x 5 card in an Stick Resort, a luxurious Four-Diamond Scottsdale envelope with your name, address and Phone Resort, where fun is limited only by your imaginanumber to: Arizona Player “I Like You” tion. Use this Grand Prize for anything you want Contest - PO Box 33393 - Phoenix, (except gambling) AZ 85067 (Limit of 1 entry per person)
This Grand Prize will allow you to book a wellappointed room or even a fabulous suite, or maybe rent a Cabana and dive in to the sparkling pool while you entertain friends or family with food and
Thanks for reading and telling your friends about Arizona Player Gaming and Entertainment Guide. Phil Scudella Publisher
ARIZONA PLAYER July 2012 27
Joke page
Jokes of the Month
As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary year at Arizona Player – Here are 3 more classic jokes from past issues. More of our reader’s favorites – I hope these make you smile, chuckle or better yet, bust out in laughter! Remember, doctors say laughing daily is beneficial to your health! “I Love to Laugh” – A therapeutic song by Julie Andrews from the classic movie Mary Poppins and my philosophy on life Phil Scudella - Publisher
CHICKEN LITTLE
The Living Will
Recently a first grade teacher in a small Arizona ranching community was reading the story of “Chicken Little” to her class. She came to the part where Chicken Little warns the farmer. She read…”And Chicken Little went up to the farmer and yelled – THE SKY IS FALLING-THE SKY IS FALLING!” The teacher put the book down, then asked the class, “So…what do you think that farmer said after hearing that warning?” There was a long pause, then finally little 6 year old Victoria raised her hand and replied, “I think the farmer said: HOLY CRAP…..A TALKING CHICKEN!” It took that teacher nearly 10 minutes to restore order in her class.
Willy was sitting in the living room in his underwear as usual watching a talk show about horrible medical conditions when his wife walked in from her job at the truck stop diner.
28 ARIZONA PLAYER July 2012
He looked up and replied…”Charlene….Just so you know, I don’t never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on a damn machine and fluids from a bottle. Honey babe, If that ever happens to me - you just pull that damn plug.” Charlene never hesitated a moment - she walked over, unplugged the TV, then threw the bottle of Jim Beam that Willy was sipping on out the window!
The Big Fight Marv was on his way with his new lovely young wife to one of the big boxing events in years… and he had paid top dollar for ring side seats. He had tried to get her ready a lot sooner, but she wanted to look really sexy for this big night out. Finally they arrived at the arena…dashed thru the parking lot..into the venue just as the opening bell rang. As they reached their seats and sat down, the champ hit the canvas with a thud and was counted out! As the crowd began to file out, Marv turned to his new bride and said in a condescending tone “ You know, I was really looking forward to this evening….and it’s over in less than 3 minutes!” His young bride, who had not spoken a word since they arrived at the arena, stood up, straightened her dress, looked down to her new hubby and snapped “So you’re complaining that it was over in less than 3 minutes?...Well….Guess what… Now you know how I feel”
Cover Story continued from page 8
Over the course of the championship, a designated number of participants will play on days 1, 2 and 3 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug 10-12) until 6pm. Those days of play will determine the semi-finalists, who will play on day 4 (Monday, August 13th) until just 10 players remain. That brings us to day 5 – Tuesday August 14th where the final 10 will play until a champion is crowned.
field a female has ever conquered in a live poker tournament, when she finished in 17th place out of 6,844 players and was the last woman standing at the 2008 World Series of Poker.
Whether new to the game or a seasoned player, The Arizona State Poker Championship is the best platform for any gamer to try their luck or just hang out to catch all the action. For more information about the Arizona State Poker Championship and Talking Stick Resort’s other tournaments, visit the ARENA Poker Room or go on line at: www.TalkingStickResort.com or call (480) 850-7734.
Pocket Aces brought home the 2011 Women’s State Championship for Leah Hodge
For the first time since the inception of the championship, the final table will be played in the resort’s showroom and broadcasted throughout the property. The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort offers state-of-the-art sound and lighting, which will greatly enhance the overall thrill and intensity of the last day. Also adding to the excitement, this year Talking Stick Resort welcomes special guest, Tiffany Michelle, who was named one of Maxim Magazines’ Top 20 Hottest Celebrity Poker Players of 2012! Tiffany will take the Showroom stage to host the final round of the Championships. This very talented lady holds the record for the largest
Women inspired by Michelle’s feats should know that The Arizona State Poker Championship isn’t the only exciting high-stakes event hitting The ARENA Poker Room at Talking Stick Resort. On September 8-10, the resort will also host the 6th Annual Arizona State Ladies Poker Championship. Pending her schedule, Tiffany Michelle is considering entering the tournament herself. If she does enter, she will join other poker queens competing for a share of an $80,000 prize pool, with first place taking home a grand prize of $18,649, a trophy and championship bracelet. The top ten Ladies at the final table will each walk home with a minimum of $1,360.
The 2011 State Poker Champ “Packy” Paulson flanked by Tournament co-ordinator David Smith (L) and Poker Room Director Kent Odekirk
ARIZONA PLAYER July 2012 29
gaming news ASTROLOGY & Contest Page Cancer June 22 to July 22
Libra Sept 24 to Oct 23
Capricorn Dec 22 to Jan 20
Leo July 23 to Aug 23
Scorpio Oct 24 to Nov 22
Aquarius Jan 21 to Feb 19
Taurus April 21 to May 21
Virgo Aug 24 to Sept 23
Sagittarius Nov 23 to Dec 21
Pisces Feb 20 to Mar 20
Gemini May 22 to June 21
Fri & Sat @ Midnight "Lunar Bingo" every 3rd Saturday @ Midnight Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 15406 Maricopa Rd Wed-Sun @ 11:30am, 2:30, 3:30 & 6:30pm Lone Butte Casino SanTan Loop202 & Kyrene Noon & 6:30pm Daily "B.A.D. Bingo" (BingoAfterDark) Saturdays @ 11:30pm Vee Quiva Casino 51st Ave. 10mi. S of I-10
Daily: 12:30 & 6:30pm "Bingo Eclipse" every 2nd & 4th Saturday @ 11pm Apache Gold Casino • Globe 5mi E of Globe on Hwy 70 Wed, Thur, & Sun @ noon; Fri & Sat 7pm Bingo Blowout! 1st Monday every Month, BlueWater Casino • Parker 11300 Resort Dr Daily 6:30pm Casino Del Sol• Tucson 5655 W. Valencia Mini Sessions 11:30am & 1:30pm
Matinee 2:15pm & Eves 7:15pm Cocopah Casino•Yuma 15136 South Ave B Somerton Daily 1 & 6pm Desert Diamond • Tucson 7350 S Nogales Hwy Daily: 1:30 & 7:15pm Mazatzal Casino• Payson Hwy 87 at mile post 251 Mon-Thurs 12:45pm Mon & Tues 6:30pm Paradise Casino • Yuma 450 Quechan Dr. Daily at 1 & 6pm
Jul 7–14 Time to make a choice Jul 15–22 Things are looking up Jul 23–31 Great chance to win big Aug 1–7 Play game your way Jul 7–14 You will be rewarded Jul 15–22 Good time with friend Jul 23–31 Plenty of time to relax Aug 1–7 Go for it, it’s time Jul 7–14 Plan for big that trip Jul 15–22 Fun time and you win Jul 23–31 Cards are good to you Aug 1–7 Rare chance – take it
Jul 7–14 Do not get discouraged Jul 15–22 You will be right Jul 23–31 Cards flop in your favor Aug 1–7 Old friend returns
Jul 7–14 Great new friend soon Jul 15–22 Good advice from pal Jul 23–31 Why not? You’re ready Aug 1–7 Exciting weekend
Jul 7–14 You guessed correctly Jul 15–22 Keep trying, win is near Jul 23–31 Favorite spot this week Aug 1–7 Persistence finally pays
Jul 7–14 Silly idea pays off Jul 15–22 Past mistakes help here Jul 23–31 Old friend = good time Aug 1–7 Go back to basics Jul 7–14 Nice lucky streak ahead Jul 15–22 Get ready to take leap Jul 23–31 Get some advice Aug 1–7 Make good choices Jul 7–14 Secret is out Jul 15–22 New pal is terrific Jul 23–31 Plan that needed trip Aug 1–7 Exceptional experience
Aries Mar 21 to April 20
Jul 7–14 Play to win - always Jul 15–22 Big tournament win Jul 23–31 Entertaining weekend Aug 1–7 Work hard & play hard
Jul 7–14 Best is yet to come Jul 15–22 Believe – it will happen Jul 23–31 Try cards this week Aug 1–7 luck has returned
Jul 7–14 Forget what has happened Jul 15–22 You will find real happiness Jul 23–31 Best time to make the move Aug 1–7 Great choice for big win
Preferred Bingo Locations American Legion #29 6821 N. 58th Ave Mon & Thurs 6:30pm Wed 11:45am Phoenix West Elks 5525 W. Colter Tues 6:45pm, Sun 12:45pm Postal Worker’s Social Club 3720 W. Greenway Rd. Tues & Sun 6:30pm Fort McDowell Casino Fountain Hills Area Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri: 9am, 12:30pm, 6:30pm Tue: 12:30pm, 6:30pm Sat. Sun: 6:45 & 9am, 12:30 & 6:30pm,
CASINO DIRECTORY
1. Apache Gold Hotel Resort Casino • (Globe) San Carlos Apache Tribe–slots bingo & blackjack. (800) 272-2438 2. BlueWater Resort Casino • (Parker) Colorado River Indian Tribe–slots bingo blackjack & poker. (888) 243-3360 3. Bucky’s Casino • (Prescott) Yavapai–Prescott Indian Tribe–slots, poker & blackjack.. (800) 756-8744 4. Casino Arizona Talking Stick Resort • (Scottsdale) Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community–slots poker blackjack & Keno (480) 850-7777 30 ARIZONA PLAYER July 2012
5. Casino Arizona @ 101 & McKellips • (Scottsdale) Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community– slots blackjack & Keno (480) 850-7777 6. Casino Del Sol • (Tucson) Pascua Yaqui Tribe–slots poker & blackjack (800) 344-9435 7. Casino of the Sun • (Tucson) Pascua Yaqui Tribe–slots (520) 883-1700 8. Cliff Castle Casino Hotel • (Camp Verde) Yavapai-Apache Nation–slots blackjack & poker. (800) 381-7568 9. Cocopah Casino • (Yuma) Cocopah Tribe–slots bingo & blackjack (800) 237-5687 10. Desert Diamond Casino Hotel• (Tucson) Tohono O’Odham Nation–Old Nogales Hwy slots keno bingo & poker (520) 294-7777 10a. Desert Diamond - I-19 • (south of Tucson) slots & blackjack. (520) 294-7777 11. Fort McDowell Casino • (Fountain Hills) Fort McDowell-Yavapai Nation–slots keno bingo poker & blackjack. (480) 837-1424 12. Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino • (Chandler) Gila River Indian Community–slots keno blackjack & poker. (800) 946-4452
13. Gila River Vee Quiva Casino • (Laveen) Gila River Indian Community–slots bingo blackjack & poker. (800) 946-4452 14. Gila River Lone Butte Casino • (Chandler) Gila River Indian Community–slots bingo & blackjack. (800) 946-4452 15. Golden Ha’ San Casino • (Why) Tohono O’Odham Nation–Slots 16. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino (Maricopa) Ak-Chin Indian Community–slots keno poker bingo & blackjack. (480) 802-5000 17. Hon-Dah Resort-Casino • (Pinetop) White Mountain Apache Tribe–slots blackjack & poker. (800) 929-8744 18. Mazatzal Hotel Casino • (Payson) Tonto Apache Tribe–slots keno bingo poker blackjack (800) 777-7529 19. Paradise Casino • (Yuma) Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe–slots keno bingo poker & blackjack. (888) 777-4946 20. Spirit Mountain Casino • (Bullhead City) Fort Mohave Indian Tribe–slots. (888) 837-4030 21. Yavapai Casino & Gaming Center • (Prescott) Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe–slots (800) 756-8744